Man shot in the chest in Columbia County when dropping a gun

COLUMBIA COUNTY, Fla. - A 30-year-old man accidentally shot himself in the chest in Columbia County Thursday morning.

According to a Columbia County Sheriff's Office press release, the gun was leaning against the front door of a residence in the 11800 block of SE CR-245. The homeowner, Patricia Barber, said the 22 caliber rifle was placed there to protect her chickens from a fox.

Her son, Brian Wayne Ward, went to move the gun at about 11:45 a.m. when it dropped and discharged because the safety was off. The bullet hit the right side of his chest and exited through his right shoulder.